Episodes

March 21, 2025

EP221: Questions and Answers

In this episode I am joined by DN Instructor Shawna Lewis. We answer questions from listeners. There are questions about connection with the reins, low energy horses, reactive horses, crooked horses and taking lessons. About ...
March 14, 2025

EP220: A Story and Advice

In this episode I’ll tell a funny little scary story that is remotely horse-related and then I’ll share 5 pieces of advice that will help you with horses (and maybe with more than horses). About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author ...
March 7, 2025

EP219: Musical Freestyle with Sandra Beaulieu

In this episode I talk with Sandra Beaulieu, the award-winning author of FREESTYLE: The Ultimate Guide to Riding, Training, and Competing to Music. Sandra is a USDF Bronze & Silver Medalist, a USDF Freestyle Bronze Bar recipi...
Feb. 28, 2025

EP218: Lateral Work & Self Carriage

In this episode I talk about a couple of excerpts from my book. This time it’s about lateral work and self carriage. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clin...
Feb. 14, 2025

EP217: The Dance

In this episode I talk about the most important middle between reward and punishment: Communication and Dancing. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinicia...
Jan. 31, 2025

EP216: When to Focus on Biomechanics

In this episode I talk about when it’s appropriate to prioritize improving how your horse moves. Doing it too soon or too late both have consequences…The most important thing is you learn how to do it! About the Host: Karen R...
Jan. 24, 2025

EP215: This, That, & The Other Thing

In this episode I’ll talk about variety - the kind we choose, and the kind we don’t. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equest...
Jan. 17, 2025

EP214: Why

In this episode I muse about motivation and WHY we do horses… and how that may or may not affect the results we get. I’ll also share another story of how smart my horse Atomic is. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creat...
Jan. 3, 2025

EP213: Equine Posture and Dentistry with Dr. Karen Gellman

In this episode I talk with Dr. Karen Gellman who specializes in biomechanics. She is part of a team of people who created the Postural Rehabilitation program. We’ll be talking about Equine Dentistry and Posture. It is full o...
Jan. 1, 2025

EP212B: New Year Message 2025

This is a bonus New Year Letter from Karen. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches st...
Dec. 27, 2024

EP212: Attuned Assessment with Dr. Lily Wilson

In this episode I am joined by Dr. Lily Wilson, a veterinary surgeon who has created a new way of helping horse owners take the very best care of their equine partners. Today we talk about Dr. Lily’s 3 Pillars: Attuned Assess...
Dec. 13, 2024

EP211: 3 Random Thoughts

In this episode, I’ll be sharing 3 random thoughts: A story about how smart horses are, some beautiful irony in the horse world today, and some reassurance for the people most worried about their horse’s well-being. About the...
Nov. 29, 2024

EP210: Night Check

In this episode, you’ll be joining me while I do night check on Atomic. You’ll share our private special time together and muse about relationships with horses. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Natu...
Nov. 22, 2024

EP209: The Basics

In this episode I talk about the power of the basics and some essential things you’ll want to get great at. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who...
Nov. 8, 2024

EP208: Harmony

In this episode, I’ll muse about harmony. It’s not about everything being perfect. You can harmonize with disharmony! About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized cli...
Nov. 1, 2024

EP207: Performance Story #2

In this episode, I tell a story about some recent performances and teaching I did at the Iberian Showcase at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. I’ll share my experience and the behind the scenes story. About the Host: Kare...
Oct. 18, 2024

EP206: Suppleness

In this episode, Karen talks about suppleness and key factors to help your horse maximize his potential for it! It’s an important quality that has mental, emotional and physical aspects. It’s an amazing feeling to ride a supp...
Oct. 11, 2024

EP205: Spurs & Double Bridles

With double bridles and spurs now being optional in some dressage competitions, it is bringing up questions about why they are allowed at all, and why they would be compulsory. In this episode Karen explains the use of double...
Sept. 27, 2024

EP204: Tour of the Temenos

In this episode I describe how I have my property set up so horses get a lot of freedom, choice, and variety, while still keeping things safe, functional, and easy for me to work within. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author an...
Sept. 20, 2024

EP203: Precision & Play

In this episode, I share a core concept in the DN program. It’s the key to getting results, and even more importantly, it’s the key to YOU creating and re-creating results independently. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author an...
Sept. 13, 2024

EP202: Imaginary Loss

In this episode I talk about a dynamic where a loss or a limit can actually create dramatic positive lessons and improvements. The trick is to master the dynamic so you don’t have to learn the lessons the hard way. About the ...
Aug. 30, 2024

EP201: Permission

In this episode I talk about the technique of asking for permission from your horse. This is an important element of building a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and c...
Aug. 16, 2024

EP200: Planning For Progress

In this episode I talk about how to practice making better training plans for you and your horse. It’s less about recipes and more about knowing possibilities, paying attention to results, and being willing to mess it up and ...
Aug. 9, 2024

EP199: Taking Back Dressage

Episode Summary : In this episode I try to untangle my mind around what dressage is, and reconcile the dressage I do with the sport of dressage. In the end, it’s about taking back the term dressage. About the Host: Karen Rohl...